US Military Orders Switchblade Loitering Munition for Tank-Killing Function

The US Military has ordered an preliminary batch of over 100 Switchblade 600 loitering munitions for testing and fielding.

The anti-tank weapon is meant to arm the service’s infantry brigade fight groups, enabling troopers to have interaction targets as much as 24 miles (38.62 kilometers) away.

Low Altitude Strike Ordnance 

It’s been ordered as a part of a Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance program part 1 requirement, Breaking Protection reported, citing the pinnacle of Military acquisition, Doug Bush.

 Observe up phases are prone to see extra choices, Breaking Protection added.

“There’ll be entry factors for different distributors, doubtlessly, as a result of there’s a lot innovation in that house,” the outlet quoted Bush as saying. 

“We will’t tie ourselves to at least one indefinitely.”

Options

A single particular person can launch the AeroVironment drone from a arrange inside 10 minutes. 

The munition can stay airborne for over 40 minutes. 

It spots a goal and darts towards it at a velocity of 115 miles (185 kilometers) per hour, and its accuracy could be enhanced via the usage of secondary drones as spotters.

In Response to Ukraine Conflict

The service unveiled the trouble final month in response to the Ukraine battle, the place it has been extensively deployed.

The procurement’s precise amount, price, and anticipated supply time are undisclosed.

The Switchblade 600’s price per unit has but to be revealed. 

Nonetheless, it’s prone to fall someplace in between its smaller cousin Switchblade 300’s $80,000 and the Javelin’s $176,000, in accordance to Protection One.